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Celebrating Alaska’s 50 th Anniversary of Statehood. In the Kenai Peninsula Borough. John J. Williams Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor. What are we celebrating?. May 28, 1958 – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Alaska Statehood Bill by a vote of 208 to 166.
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CelebratingAlaska’s 50th Anniversaryof Statehood In the Kenai Peninsula Borough John J. WilliamsKenai Peninsula Borough Mayor
What are we celebrating? • May 28, 1958 – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Alaska Statehood Bill by a vote of 208 to 166. • July 7, 1958 – President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Alaska Statehood Bill into law. • January 3, 1959 – President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the proclamation admitting Alaska to the U.S. a “moment after the stroke of noon.”
The Alaska Statehood Celebration Commission(ASCC) • Governor Palin appointed a commission of eight members with a mission … ‘to research, plan and prepare to celebrate Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of admission as the 49th state of the United States of America.”
How is Alaska Celebrating? May 28, 2008 and into weekend – Events celebrating the bill’s passage will be hosted by Festival Fairbanks. July 4th, 2008 weekend – Capital City Celebration will host events commemorating signing of the bill. January 3, 2009 – Tech50 (Anchorage) will begin a week long celebration of the proclamation admitting Alaska to the U.S.
Statewide Participation EventTime Capsule to be opened at 100th Anniversary of Statehood
Statewide Participation Event Commemorative Coin Printing 5,000; Cities/Boroughs can purchase for approximately $9; Can sell as fund raiser.
Statewide Participation 50th Anniversary / Statehood plates Standard issue January 2nd, 2008 thru December 31st, 2009 Vehicle size only – no trucks, cycles
Statewide Opportunities The Alaska Humanities Forum has partnered with the Rasmuson Foundation providing grant opportunities. See details at: http://www.akhf.org/ Major Grant deadline – May 15, 2008 Mini Grants – rolling deadline
Statewide Marketing and Beyond The ASCC will market your events on its website – and will provide links to other sites. http://www.gov.state.ak.us/state_commission/index.php Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Railroad and other Alaska organizations and businesses are partnering with the Commission to promote this celebratory event.
The ASCC EncouragesCommunity Involvement • Each community is encouraged to plan an anniversary celebration that is meaningful to that community. • Many communities have planned activities which encourage involvement by individuals, organizations and communities across Alaska.
How will the KPB celebrate? • Official dates of KPB’s celebration – Proposed January 3, 2009 to January 3, 2010; • A grant application will be submitted by May 15, 2008 to produce a history book of the KPB; • Each community or organization determines what statehood means to them and how to celebrate the event.
Suggested Community Activities • Education – History • Flag Displays • KPB Passport • Medallions/Coins • Special Speakers • Barbeques • Bonfires • Concerts • Fireworks Displays • Parades • Contests – posters, 5 or 10K runs, artwork • Statehood Anniversary Event Themes • U.S. Armed Forces Involvement